Martin Lewis furiously hits out at Rishi Sunak on Have I Got News For You debut

Martin Lewis has lashed out at Rishi Sunak and the Rwanda plan while hosting Have I Got News For You.

The 51-year-old money saving expert is flabbergasted by the huge price that will cost UK taxpayers to send asylum seekers to the African country. On Friday night, he took over the hosting seat of the long-running BBC news and current affairs panel show - and he gave both barrels to the government’s high-cost plans to curb immigration.

Long running captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop were joined by talk show host Steph McGovern and comedian Ignacio Lopez respectively as they reviewed the biggest news events of the week and offered humorous takes. But when attention turned to the Rwanda plan - which was passed by parliament last night - Martin kicked off.

The new law will mean asylum seekers can be deported to Rwanda while their applications are reviewed - and the plan comes with a huge price tag. Addressing the legal change, Martin said: “This is the news that in a surprising historical reversal, Britain is about to start rounding people up against their will and shipping them to Africa” - while the audience gave a muted response.

He then continued, saying: “The Rwandan scheme is proving quite expensive. It’s currently projected to have a base cost of £370m over the five-year contract, but on top of that there’s an additional charge of £150,874 per migrant deported. Although, I’ve looked into this and they can get £25 off that if they use a voucher code. I’ve managed to source this one: ’S**TSHOW2024’” - with the punchline sparkling laughter.

Before appearing on screens, Martin revealed he was feeling nervous about how he would be received as the show host. Taking to X, he confessed: "OK I've got my flak jacket on, and am preparing to watch from behind the sofa, does anyone know where to buy skin thickener? - as I think I need it. I've no idea what'll be in the show, we record for over two hours, so who knows how it'll turn out. A somewhat petrifying experience #HIGNFY. Gulp."

However, his concerns were misplaced - as viewers largely delighted with his hosting abilities. One fan wrote on X: “Usually watch the extended version of #HIGNFY but watching regular episode tonight. A particularly fine episode!” And another typed: "Here he is, one of the saviours of our country."

And a further fan gushed: "Martin Lewis has done really well for himself. He's wiping the floor with Piers Morgan these days. #HIGNFY." Some TV fans vowed to make a drinking game out of his appearance - noting that he was regularly referencing money and savings while in the hosting seat.

One viewer joked about the Money Show star, writing on X: “Have a cup of tea every time he mentions money ………” And many others reacted to Martin's post to comment that he had no reason to have worried - with one fan gushing: "You nailed it, Martin. A complete natural. You were superb! Look forward to seeing you again on HIGNFY."